Unlike other zoos in Southeast Asia, Taiping’s doubles up as a conservation and research center.

Tremendous efforts are made to increase the populations of their endangered species including our orange-haired primate cousins.

Streams, ponds and the flowers recreate the animal’s natural habitat.

Taiping Zoo reopens again after dark allowing visitors to observe nocturnal animals. This is Malaysia’s only zoo that offers a night safari.

4. See dinosaurs inside Taiping’s Rock Garden

A series of artificial rocks form Taiping Lake Garden’s sculpture park.

The small garden opened in the 1970s to entice children with replicas of dinosaurs.

Despite the small size, it provides several quirky photo opportunities. Most tourists spend 20 minutes in the Rock Garden while exploring the Lake Gardens.

Wander through the mysterious sculpture park and feel like you’re back in prehistoric times.

Continue along the path through the Centuries-old Trees and turn left into the Rock Garden.

5. Taiping’s colonial clock tower

Source: Marek Poplawski / shutterstock

Taiping Clock Tower

Taiping Clock Tower looks out of place in front of the modern apartment blocks.

The white-washed British colonial structure almost looks like a Far East church.

The original opened in 1881 built entirely from timber. A decade later bricks replaced the high maintenance wooden monument.

Throughout its long life, the tower served as a timekeeper, police station and fire station. Today it’s a tourist information center with maps and leaflets on the city.

Taiping has some of Malaysia’s best examples of British colonial architecture. The Clock Tower is among the city’s most beautiful structures.

6. Explore Taiping’s Chinese and Buddhist Temples

Because of Taiping’s Chinese community, the city has dozens of Buddhist temples.

Crazy Tourist recommends a trip to both Chinese Pagoda and Hosian Temple.

Chinese Pagoda showcases traditional Chinese architecture. Colorful interior rooms mix with a stream of wafting incense. Local Buddhists believe newlyweds should walk past the pagoda for good luck and success in their marriage.

Architects used a mixture of Neoclassical and Victorian styles to create the outside façade. Moorish elements give it an exotic twist. Photograph the building from the gardens before entering the museum.